Virginia Thoroughbred Community Mourns Loss of Mr. Herb Staples

Long-time VTA member and Richmond native Herb Staples, 95, passed away on December 2. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane Staples; his parents, Herbert L. Staples Sr. and Mary Richardson Staples; and his sister, Helen Horne. He is survived by his daughter, Eve Shapiro and her husband, Barry; and their sons, Jason and Matthew.

For 50 years, Mr. Staples owned Herbert L. Staples Insurance Agency, closing its doors only in 2010. Under Gov. George Allen, he was appointed to a four-year term on the Virginia Equine Board. Gov. Jim Gilmore subsequently reappointed him to a second term. At the time of his death, he was still on the board for the Museum of the Horse and the Outstanding Virginians Board.

Mr. Staples was a keen supporter of racing and enjoyed participating in his Horse Country syndicate. He was an enthusiastic member of the VTA, always the first through the door at events. He will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends Sunday at Bliley’s-Staples Mill, 8510 Staples Mill Rd., from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., where a celebration of his life will be held Monday at 2 p.m. Interment in Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Herbert L. Staples Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1042, Glen Allen, Va. 23060.